Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Three Simple Steps for finding Gratitude

Tis’ the season to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Acknowledging gratitude about yourself, your life, people, and things around can cultivate a healthier and happier outlook for your own well-being. What a concept to actually put this into play all year long.

We’re constantly bombarded with what’s going wrong in the world and perhaps even hear what other people perceive what’s wrong with us. And true it gets more challenging because life happens, right? Challenging situations can arrive, divorce, family member is ill, etc. However, when gratitude is cultivated as a regular part of life, you realize that pain and joy are just part of the mysterious whole. It IS possible to rejoice that amidst life suffering there exists joy.

Here are 3 simple steps finding gratitude daily:

1. Keep a gratitude journal. Wake up each morning, take a few deep breaths, write down 1-3 things you are grateful for, and say them out loud. Researchers show this helps you become more optimistic and feel better about life.

2. Say Thank you. It’s that simple. Say it to everyone you come into contact with include to yourself for what you have. For example, each time I work in one of my yoga studios, I quietly say in my mind “thank you”. Studies show saying thank you also improves personal and business relationships. Taking time to express gratitude for your partner enhances positive feelings towards the other person and can open the door of communication. In the workplace, managers who thank their employees regularly typically perform better and are happier.

3. Pray and/or Meditate. Sometimes this can be as simple as sitting down, closing your eyes and say this with in sync with breath… Breathe in peace, exhale gratitude.

Let’s create a shift and take these simple steps for seeing the good each day no matter what.